Gerald Fiten Mason was born on January 31, 1934, in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

Gerald Fiten Mason committed serious crimes in 1957 in El Segundo, California. One night, he confronted four teenagers at a lover's lane. He forced the teens to strip down to their underwear, then bound and blindfolded them. After committing a sexual assault, he drove away in their car.

While driving, Mason ran a red light and caught the attention of two police officers, Richard Phillips and Milton Curtis. During the traffic stop, Mason shot both officers multiple times and fled the scene. Officer Curtis died immediately, while Officer Phillips was mortally wounded. Mason then abandoned the stolen car and escaped into nearby backyards.

A long investigation into the murders began. In 1960, police recovered the murder weapon, which was linked to Mason through a purchase he made under the alias George D. Wilson. For nearly 46 years, he lived a quiet life, owning businesses and raising a family.

In 2002, advances in fingerprint technology helped law enforcement match fingerprints lifted from the stolen car back to Mason. He was arrested in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, and identified by a bullet wound he had suffered during the shooting of the officers.

Mason pleaded guilty to the murders and received two consecutive life sentences. He expressed remorse during his sentencing, saying he could not understand why he committed the crimes. Although he was denied parole in 2009, he served his sentence in South Carolina.

Mason died in prison on January 22, 2017, just before his 83rd birthday. He spent a total of 14 years in prison before his death.